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allison gibson
11/27/2025
Biology
anatomy (BSCI 21010) histology + tissues notes
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Nov 27, 2025
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BSCI 21010 Anatomy Histology and Tissues Study Notes
allison gibson
@allison.gibson
1 / 4
General Tissues and Epithelial Tissue
Your body contains about 200 different cell types organized into just four broad tissue categories. Each tissue type serves specific functions - epithelial tissue covers surfaces, connective tissue (making up 85% of your body) provides support, nerve tissue conducts electricity, and muscle tissue contracts.
Epithelial tissue forms sheets of tightly packed cells that cover surfaces. The bottom layer attaches to a base while the top remains open to the environment. Simple epithelium has only one layer and is named by cell shape (squamous, cuboidal, or columnar). Stratified epithelium contains multiple layers and is named by the shape of its top cells.
The four main types of epithelia include simple squamous (thin, scaly cells), simple cuboidal (square or round cells found in glands), simple columnar (tall, narrow cells lining digestive and urinary tracts), and stratified epithelia. Stratified epithelia can have 2-20 layers with new cells continually forming at the bottom through mitosis while older cells move upward.
Did you know? Your skin replaces itself completely about every 27 days! This happens through a process where new cells form at the bottom layer while old cells move up and eventually flake off.
Connective Tissue
Connective tissue is the most abundant tissue in your body, making up about 85% of your total body composition. It binds organs together and can be either loose or tight depending on its function. This versatile tissue provides support through bones and cartilage, offers protection (like your skull protecting your brain), assists with immune defense through white blood cells, and enables movement.
The main cell type in connective tissue is the fibroblast, which produces both fibers and ground substance (like fiberglass). There are three types of fibers: collagenous (most abundant), reticular (forms frameworks), and elastic . The ground substance contains glycosaminoglycans - complex molecules made of proteins and sugars that provide strength.
Connective tissue comes in several forms. Loose connective tissue includes areolar tissue (scattered fibers, strong yet flexible), reticular tissue (holds organs together), and adipose tissue (fat storage). Dense connective tissue has tightly packed fibers and can be regular (parallel fibers like in tendons) or irregular (random fibers like in scar tissue).
Remember this: Connective tissue is like the body's infrastructure system - it provides the framework that holds everything together while also playing important roles in protection, support, and movement.
Cartilage, Bone, Blood and Nervous Tissue
Cartilage is a specialized connective tissue made by cells called chondroblasts. Unlike most tissues, it contains no blood vessels. The three types of cartilage vary in strength and flexibility: hyaline (very flexible, found in throat and ears), elastic (stronger than hyaline), and fibrocartilage (very strong, found in intervertebral discs).
Bone tissue (osseous tissue) is produced by osteoblasts. Its basic structural unit is the osteon. Bones come in two types: spongy bone provides strength without weight, while compact bone contains many osteons and is extremely strong. Blood is another form of connective tissue with cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets) suspended in plasma.
Nervous tissue conducts electricity throughout your body. The basic unit is the neuron, which detects stimuli, responds quickly, and transmits coded information. Supporting cells called glial cells help neurons function properly. This tissue is essential for all sensations and movements.
Cool fact: Neurons can transmit signals at speeds of up to 268 miles per hour! This incredible speed allows your brain to communicate with your body almost instantaneously.
Muscular Tissue and Development
Muscular tissue burns energy to produce movement and heat. The basic unit is the muscle fiber, and there are three distinct types. Skeletal muscle has long cells with multiple nuclei, connects to bones, and is under voluntary control. Cardiac muscle has short, branched cells with single nuclei and pumps blood involuntarily. Smooth muscle found in organs has short, fusiform cells that can both expand and contract, working involuntarily.
Human development begins as a single fertilized egg that develops into a blastocyst - a hollow structure that folds inward to create three tissue layers. The ectoderm (outer layer) forms epithelium and nerve tissue, the mesoderm (middle layer) becomes muscle and connective tissues, and the endoderm (inner layer) develops into specialized digestive tissues.
When studying tissues, scientists use different section cuts: longitudinal (along the length), cross-section (perpendicular to length), oblique (at an angle), and midsagittal (through the center). For a structure to be considered an organ, it must contain at least two different tissue types working together.
Pro tip: When thinking about the three embryonic tissue layers, remember "outside-in": ectoderm forms outer structures like skin, mesoderm forms middle structures like muscles, and endoderm forms inner structures like digestive linings.
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Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
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Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
BSCI 21010 Anatomy Histology and Tissues Study Notes
allison gibson
@allison.gibson
Histology is the study of tissues - groups of similar cells that work together for specific functions. Our bodies contain four main types of tissues: epithelial, connective, nervous, and muscle tissues. Each type has unique structures and functions that allow... Show more
General Tissues and Epithelial Tissue
Your body contains about 200 different cell types organized into just four broad tissue categories. Each tissue type serves specific functions - epithelial tissue covers surfaces, connective tissue (making up 85% of your body) provides support, nerve tissue conducts electricity, and muscle tissue contracts.
Epithelial tissue forms sheets of tightly packed cells that cover surfaces. The bottom layer attaches to a base while the top remains open to the environment. Simple epithelium has only one layer and is named by cell shape (squamous, cuboidal, or columnar). Stratified epithelium contains multiple layers and is named by the shape of its top cells.
The four main types of epithelia include simple squamous (thin, scaly cells), simple cuboidal (square or round cells found in glands), simple columnar (tall, narrow cells lining digestive and urinary tracts), and stratified epithelia. Stratified epithelia can have 2-20 layers with new cells continually forming at the bottom through mitosis while older cells move upward.
Did you know? Your skin replaces itself completely about every 27 days! This happens through a process where new cells form at the bottom layer while old cells move up and eventually flake off.
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Connective Tissue
Connective tissue is the most abundant tissue in your body, making up about 85% of your total body composition. It binds organs together and can be either loose or tight depending on its function. This versatile tissue provides support through bones and cartilage, offers protection (like your skull protecting your brain), assists with immune defense through white blood cells, and enables movement.
The main cell type in connective tissue is the fibroblast, which produces both fibers and ground substance (like fiberglass). There are three types of fibers: collagenous (most abundant), reticular (forms frameworks), and elastic . The ground substance contains glycosaminoglycans - complex molecules made of proteins and sugars that provide strength.
Connective tissue comes in several forms. Loose connective tissue includes areolar tissue (scattered fibers, strong yet flexible), reticular tissue (holds organs together), and adipose tissue (fat storage). Dense connective tissue has tightly packed fibers and can be regular (parallel fibers like in tendons) or irregular (random fibers like in scar tissue).
Remember this: Connective tissue is like the body's infrastructure system - it provides the framework that holds everything together while also playing important roles in protection, support, and movement.
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Cartilage, Bone, Blood and Nervous Tissue
Cartilage is a specialized connective tissue made by cells called chondroblasts. Unlike most tissues, it contains no blood vessels. The three types of cartilage vary in strength and flexibility: hyaline (very flexible, found in throat and ears), elastic (stronger than hyaline), and fibrocartilage (very strong, found in intervertebral discs).
Bone tissue (osseous tissue) is produced by osteoblasts. Its basic structural unit is the osteon. Bones come in two types: spongy bone provides strength without weight, while compact bone contains many osteons and is extremely strong. Blood is another form of connective tissue with cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets) suspended in plasma.
Nervous tissue conducts electricity throughout your body. The basic unit is the neuron, which detects stimuli, responds quickly, and transmits coded information. Supporting cells called glial cells help neurons function properly. This tissue is essential for all sensations and movements.
Cool fact: Neurons can transmit signals at speeds of up to 268 miles per hour! This incredible speed allows your brain to communicate with your body almost instantaneously.
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Muscular Tissue and Development
Muscular tissue burns energy to produce movement and heat. The basic unit is the muscle fiber, and there are three distinct types. Skeletal muscle has long cells with multiple nuclei, connects to bones, and is under voluntary control. Cardiac muscle has short, branched cells with single nuclei and pumps blood involuntarily. Smooth muscle found in organs has short, fusiform cells that can both expand and contract, working involuntarily.
Human development begins as a single fertilized egg that develops into a blastocyst - a hollow structure that folds inward to create three tissue layers. The ectoderm (outer layer) forms epithelium and nerve tissue, the mesoderm (middle layer) becomes muscle and connective tissues, and the endoderm (inner layer) develops into specialized digestive tissues.
When studying tissues, scientists use different section cuts: longitudinal (along the length), cross-section (perpendicular to length), oblique (at an angle), and midsagittal (through the center). For a structure to be considered an organ, it must contain at least two different tissue types working together.
Pro tip: When thinking about the three embryonic tissue layers, remember "outside-in": ectoderm forms outer structures like skin, mesoderm forms middle structures like muscles, and endoderm forms inner structures like digestive linings.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user